The Three Rivers-based Culture Is Not Optional was awarded a $1,000 grant as the recipient of a promotion by the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation. Officials from the foundation said the Facebook Grant-off promotion was designed to promote its mission of supporting effective programs and projects that improve the quality of life, while spreading word to local non-profit organizations that …

The White Pigeon Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the fourth annual 5K to provide a healthful community activity for adults and children while raising funds for the 1Lt. Jonathan W. Edds  Memorial Fund. Organizers of the event said prospective participants who wish to receive a T-shirt must register by July 19 to receive a t-shirt the day of the …

Officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation have issued an update on progress of the U.S. 131 Constantine bypass project. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the $18 million undertaking remains within budget and on target for completion in late November. Work on the 4.9-mile bypass started in February. Schirripa said crews are currently setting bridge beams and building piers for the …

The Sturgis Police Department is reporting the theft of playground equipment from Langrick Park. According to a department media release, the animal-shaped attraction is for small children and is supported by a metal spring. The toy and its spring base were taken from the park, police said.

The St. Joseph County Area Marine Corps League, Detachment 1401, is inviting the public to a picnic this weekend. The event takes place 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Reed Riverside Park in Mendon. Sloppy Joes will be served, but participants are asked to bring a dish to pass and a drink of their choice. No alcohol is allowed in …

Federal regulators are pleased with the results of the inspection last month of the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant in Bridgman. In a letter to plant operators, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says no issues were found. The inspection looked at safety and compliance activities at the Cook plant, and inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities at the …

Harold Lee Tilford, Jr., age 59, of Constantine, passed away Wednesday, July 10th, 2013 at his home. He was born in Elkhart, IN on June 17, 1954, a son of Harold L. and Jeanette A. (Maggert) Tilford Sr. Harold graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1972. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1975. …

Ronald G. “Ron” Walker, Jr., age 73 died Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Muskegon, MI on July 9, 1940 the son of Ronald G. and Bernice (Barryman) Walker. He graduated from Ravenna High School with the class of 1958 and served briefly in the U.S. Navy. Ron was married to Ellen …

Amanda Louise Hyatt, age 29, of Three Rivers, MI. passed away suddenly on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Three Rivers Health. Amanda was born in Three Rivers on May 30, 1984 the daughter of Michael Mills and Laurie(Hyatt)Yerrick. Amanda graduated from Three Rivers High School in 2003. She had a true love and passion for animals and would often rescue …

A number of items were stolen last week from a residence in Sherman Township. Michigan State Police investigators said the break-in occurred between 6 and 11 a.m. July 3 in the 22000 block of Featherstone Road. A department media release did not indicate the manner in which access was gained.